The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced simplified regulations for seaplane operations, including allowing non-scheduled entities to operate such services and implementing a streamlined certification process.

These relaxed norms are aimed at boosting seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). Seaplanes, amphibious aircraft that can take off and land on water, no longer require a waterdrome license under the revised norms of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and compliance requirements have also been reduced.

Waterdromes, which facilitate landing and take-off of seaplanes, are now subject to simplified regulations that have been carefully planned and prepared after extensive consultations, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said. Speaking at an event in the national capital to announce the revised regulations, Naidu also stressed that seaplane operations could boost tourism.

Among other regulatory changes, new Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders can now directly obtain seaplane ratings, allowing them to fly seaplanes. The ministry noted that the simplified guidelines will allow seaplane operations by Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs).

India has previously seen seaplane operations in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Gujarat but these operations did not last long. Speaking at the event, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam said that the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) for seaplanes has been streamlined and urged state governments to identify suitable water bodies for seaplane operations. He added that seaplanes will provide another means of connectivity for people and that the UDAN scheme has been “path-breaking” with over 100 routes operational for over three years.

Moreover, the government plans to develop seaports at 18 locations in Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.